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Writing to Sister Theresa of Jesus in April, 1848, Mother Marie-Rose reflected upon the nature of religious life. "If I had come into religion to lead a sweet and easy life, I should find myself greatly mistaken; but I find in it that which I expect," she observed. Despite the great challenges she believed were intrinsic to religious life, Mother Marie-Rose viewed her vocation as "a joy which keeps on growing." Succeeding generations of Holy Names sisters would agree with her assessment and share her delight in a life of dedication and service to God. From the earliest days of the congregation until Vatican II, the life of a Holy Names sister was one of strict routine, with an emphasis on spiritual perfection. It was also an era of remarkable growth, achievement, and fulfillment made possible by the shared vision and combined efforts of the entire community.   read more

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Religious Life
Divergent paths led generations of young women to the Sisters of the Holy Names. From their earliest schooldays, some had come to know the sisters as devoted educators and longed to follow in their footsteps. Others were inexorably drawn to a life of service to God, unable to imagine any other calling. Some attended college, embarked on careers, and envisioned themselves as future wives and mothers until the magnetism of a religious vocation drew them in. Some came from large cities; others arrived from remote farms and ranches. It was not uncommon for several girls from the same family to enter the community. For many, the life of a choir sister awaited, while a few dedicated themselves to the advancement of the community as auxiliary sisters.   read more

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A Long Tradition of Teaching
As mandated by the Constitutions, "the chief end of the Congregation of the Sisters of the Holy Names of Jesus and Mary is the instruction and Christian education of children and young girls." For well over a century, sisters devoted themselves almost exclusively to the ministry of education. From the time she founded the community, Mother Marie-Rose emphasized the importance of quality instruction. In Quebec, Holy Names sisters quickly earned a reputation as exceptional educators. In 1859, in response to Archbishop Francis Norbert Blanchet's plea for a teaching order to provide religious education for the children of the Oregon diocese, twelve Holy Names sisters left Montreal for Portland, Oregon. A mere two weeks after their arrival, the sisters opened St. Mary's Academy. Eventually, Holy Names sisters opened schools in Washington, California, New York, Maryland, Florida, and Ontario, Canada. They also educated thousands of children in parish schools. Committed to providing their students with a well-rounded education, Holy Names sisters emphasized arts and culture through music and art lessons.   read more

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The Charge
Over her lifetime in the community, each sister held a remarkable variety of jobs, or "charges." The tasks assigned to novices were changed frequently to familiarize them with the chores associated with household management. The Constitutions outlined the tasks associated with specific charges, such as the portress, sacristan, librarian, linen keeper, cook, refectorian, steward, and infirmarian. Although the auxiliary sisters assumed much of the manual labor, choir sisters shared in the everyday chores such as cleaning and sewing. In keeping with the vow of obedience, each member of the congregation was to accept difficult or tedious tasks with a cheerful spirit. Even the most mundane job was to be completed with the goal of perfection in mind.   read more

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Leisure
The life of a Holy Names sister was one of responsibility and hard work. Yet community life also provided opportunities for leisure and enjoyable diversions. Superiors wisely gauged when their charges needed a respite from their work. A declaration of congé-French for furlough or vacation-in which silence would be suspended for the day, was always greeted with rejoicing. Local outings, which might include a walk through the woods, a picnic, or even the occasional movie, served to revitalize the community. Feast days also offered relief from the usual busy routine. Even the simplest amusements were eagerly anticipated.   read more

Exhibit graphic design by Bryan Potter Design